following through

Stay Positive by johnwgolden

Back in January while resolutions were flooding the blogosphere I made a promise to myself. I set out a plan for the coming year and I chose one word, one wish, and one wonder that I wanted to focus on in 2012. Now that we are approaching the first days of July (half way through the year!?!?) I thought it would be good time for a quick review. Where have I been, how have I been doing, and where am I headed from here? Have I been practicing more positivity (my word), do I follow through more (my wish), and what will be the outcome (my wonder)?

So often I get so busy that I forget to check in with myself and have that moment of brutal honesty to set me back on track. (I think this is pretty common among the everyday busy-busies...) In the past, this honesty leaned toward a negative tone and now I am finding it is a little more positive. I cut myself some slack (as we all should) and remind myself that I am human. I have my own habits. I have my own quirks. I would say overall that is an improvement. Beyond that, I am trying harder not to complain at the office (Let's say 80/20 on that one) and search for the positive spin on "problems". Funny that the 20% of that equation is getting a "bad cop" reputation, but I remind myself that in every effective duo (affective? oh, dear me...) there's a good cop AND a bad cop. Maybe that is a good thing? Hey...what can I say...I play by the rules and like it when others do too.

When it comes to the wish I have a little more work to do. Following through is not my strong suit, but if you've ever stopped by you already knew that. Here is where I have started digging around. What is the root of this? Instead of getting angry because projects are unfinished, posts are lacking on JL, and my house is constantly in a state of mess, I have been searching around for triggers. So far, my explanation is INSPIRATION. Lack of it...or too much of it. With a lack of inspiration I veer away from my corner of the blogosphere (it's quality not quantity, right?) and with too much inspiration I pile on the projects and find myself with a case of BADD. (Refresher: BADD = Busy + A.D.D) In that case, nothing gets finished because there's...just...too...much.

So...now that I know a little bit more about myself...the plan must evolve. But with the importance of not overwhelming myself (I swear I need a BADD meter with a clown horn alarm) I will take baby steps.

First, every morning I will make my bed. Why? Because evidence/reviews (seriously...click the link and read on!) suggest that making your bed every morning is boosts productivity, strengthens budgeting skills, and boosts happiness. Well, sign me up for all of that positive goodness!

Second, I will start reading Charles Duhigg's book The Power of Habit (I recommend the video!). Duhigg says "studies have shown that if you can diagnose your habits you can change them in whichever way you want." It sounds like I have already begun diagnosing, but I am interested in finding out more. The rule of 19 times breaks a habit rings through my head any time I desire to change my behavior, but honestly...honestly...I never make it to 19 times, so I have no idea if it is really true.

And there you have it...my two baby steps. The second will guide me from there, and maybe, just maybe, I will have enough inspiration to jam pack this blog with quality posts.

Until then...stay positive...and make your bed.

Make Your Bed by johnwgolden